What's ahead for ADB in 2013

In January, the first Myanmar Development Cooperation Forum (MDCF) will bring together donor governments, aid groups and international organizations to address issues related to the country's re-engagement with the international community. The event will be held in Naypyidaw from 19 to 20 January.

The Delhi Sustainable Development Summit 2013, to be held in the Indian capital from 31 January to 2 February, will focus on the global challenge of achieving resource efficient growth and development at a time of scare resources. ADB's President Haruhiko Kuroda will speak.

In March, the Asia-Pacific Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Report 2012/13 will share research, analysis, and key lessons learned from the Asia-Pacific experience on the MDGs. The report will also explore the post-2015 development scenario. ADB, along with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will present the report.

On 8 March, the world celebrates the role of women in society with International Women's Day. ADB recognizes that without the talents, human capital and economic potential of women, the region's goals of poverty reduction and sustainable development will not be met.

In April, the 2013 edition of the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) will analyze economic performance in the past year and offer forecasts for 45 economies in Asia and the Pacific. A special chapter will examine Asia's energy security.

In May, about 4000 delegates will gather in Delhi to discuss ADB's work in the region and issues related to economic and social progress. ADB's 46th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors will be held from 2 to 5 May with the theme "Development Through Empowerment".

From 24 to 28 June, energy issues related to access, technology, finance and policy will be discussed at the eight annual Asia Clean Energy Forum 2013, which will be held at ADB Headquarters in Manila.

In July, the Asian Economic Integration Monitor, a semiannual review of Asia's regional economic cooperation and integration efforts that covers 48 Asia and the Pacific countries, will be released. Asia's importance in the global economy and its need to respond to crises without disrupting its economic transformation underscores the importance of regional cooperation and integration.

The Key Indicators for Asia and the Pacific will be launched in August. The publication presents economic, financial, social, environmental, and Millennium Development Goals (MDG) indicators for regional members of ADB. The 2013 edition will feature a chapter on industrial and service diversification.

In September, the Asia Bond Monitor (ABM) report will be released. The report reviews developments in East Asian local currency bond markets along with the outlook, risks, and policy options.

In October, ADB will join the international community in marking UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. ADB aims for an Asia and Pacific free from poverty. Approximately 1.7 billion people in the region are poor and unable to access essential goods, services, assets and opportunities to which every human is entitled.

The 19th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 19) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) will convene in Warsaw, Poland, from 11 to 22 November 2013. Participating ADB officials will draw attention to key issues facing the Asia-Pacific region as it transitions toward low-carbon and climate resilient development.

In December, ADB will renew its commitment to an Asia and the Pacific free of poverty and void of corruption by participating in international Anti-Corruption Day. The effectiveness of ADB's support to governments in Asia and the Pacific in their efforts to lift millions out of poverty would be greatly compromised without its integrity and anti-corruption practices.